Rabies Reported In Rancho Santa Margarita

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A bat found at Rancho Santa Margarita Lake tested positive for rabies, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported.

According to the agency, the rabid bat was found on the ground near a walking path around the lake on Thursday, April 17 at around 2:30 p.m.

"The rabies virus is found in an animal's saliva and is transmitted to people by a bite from a rabid animal," an OCHCA statement read. "Although very rare, contamination of the eyes, mouth or an open wound the saliva of a rabid animal can also transmit rabies."

Most cases of rabies in the country in recent years have resulted from bat strains of rabies, as bats have very small teeth and their bites may go unnoticed, the agency said.

Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is urged to call the Orange County Health Care Agency Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.

Steps residents can take to minimize the risk of rabies, per the OCHCA:

• Avoid all contact with wild animals.
• Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.
• Do not sleep with open unscreened windows or doors.
• If bats are seen inside the house or other structure, close off the area and contact animal control. Once the bat(s) have been removed, close off any areas allowing entrance into the house.
• Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals.
• Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water, being sure to flush the wound well, then contact your doctor.
• Report all animal bites to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 949-470-3045.

More information about rabies is available at the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.